This July, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unique — a week of skiing on the Mattherhon glacier paradise in Cervinia, Aosta Valley. When most people think of summer, they imagine beaches and sunny vacations, but for those who love skiing as much as I do, the idea of carving fresh tracks in July is a dream come true.
The lifts opened bright and early at 7:00 AM, and the cool mountain air was the perfect wake-up call. Being on the slopes at sunrise, with the crisp air and fresh snow under my skis, felt magical. The snow conditions were exceptional, especially considering the time of year. The groomers had done an amazing job overnight, leaving the slopes smooth and ready for skiers like me to enjoy. I had expected slushy or patchy snow, but instead, it was good.
The weather was another pleasant surprise. While it was warm enough not to need heavy winter gear, the temperatures remained cool enough to keep the snow in great condition. This balance made for ideal skiing — no freezing cold mornings or overly hot afternoons. By 1:30 PM, when the lifts closed, the sun had just started to make the snow softer, so the timing was perfect.
One of the best aspects of glacier skiing in July was the lack of crowds. With fewer people on the mountain, I never had to wait in line for the lifts. This meant I could maximize my skiing time, taking run after run without any delays. In fact, it often felt like I had the entire slope to myself — a rare luxury during the winter season.
In addition to the skiing itself, the atmosphere on the glacier was relaxed and enjoyable. The other skiers were mostly enthusiasts who, like me, wanted to extend their season as much as possible. Everyone was friendly, and there was a sense of camaraderie on the lifts and at the mid-mountain cafes. We were all there for the same reason — to savor the joy of skiing in the middle of summer.
By the end of the week, I was not only physically exhausted (in the best way possible) but also completely satisfied with the experience. It was a reminder that, for those of us who love the mountains, skiing isn’t just a winter sport. If you’re thinking about glacier skiing, I highly recommend it. The unique conditions, the lack of crowds, and the sheer joy of skiing in the sunshine made it one of my best skiing trips ever.
